Bergrivier Mayor denies wrongdoing after drug and ammunition investigation

Bergrivier Mayor Ray van Rooy has broken his silence following a police investigation that led to allegations of drugs and ammunition being found at his home in Piketberg.

Van Rooy, a Democratic Alliance (DA) official, has firmly denied any involvement in criminal activity and expressed his frustration at what he calls a smear campaign against him.

Police Raid Sparks Controversy

Reports surfaced last week detailing a police raid on Van Rooy’s residence, during which a white substance suspected to be drugs and a single round of ammunition were allegedly discovered. Despite the nature of the allegations, Van Rooy was neither charged nor detained beyond questioning and was released the same day.

The incident quickly gained public attention, raising questions about the involvement of a high-ranking public official in such allegations.

Mayor’s Response: “An Attempt to Smear My Reputation”

In a statement addressing the allegations, Van Rooy strongly refuted claims that he was involved in any illegal activities. He expressed disappointment at the incident and its implications for his personal and professional life.

“This ordeal has been incredibly painful for my family and me. I would like to make it abundantly clear that at no point in my life have I ever been involved in the selling or distribution of drugs,” he said.

He added that he has never used drugs and maintains that the allegations are baseless.

Discovery of Substances and Ammunition

Van Rooy clarified that the alleged items in question were not found inside his home. According to the mayor, the white substance and the round of ammunition were discovered outside his property, hidden between wooden pallets.

“The white substance and one round of ammunition found were, in fact, discovered outside of my house, stashed between wooden pallets,” he explained.

Van Rooy suggested that the discovery may have been planted to tarnish his reputation, describing the incident as a deliberate effort to harm his name and credibility.

Impact on Family and Community

The allegations have had a profound effect on Van Rooy’s family, who have been subjected to scrutiny and distress since the incident.

“This has been a painful experience for my family, who have had to endure unwarranted speculation and judgment,” Van Rooy said.

In the community, reactions have been mixed. While some residents have expressed shock at the allegations, others have rallied behind the mayor, citing his record of service to the municipality.

DA’s Stance on the Incident

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident at the time of writing. However, party insiders suggest the matter is being monitored closely to ensure a fair and transparent process.

The DA is known for its strict adherence to ethical governance and is likely to address the matter if further developments arise.

Legal and Political Implications

The incident raises broader questions about the responsibilities and public perception of elected officials. Allegations of criminal activity, even if unproven, can have lasting consequences on a politician’s career and public trust.

Van Rooy’s swift denial and cooperation with the police may help mitigate the fallout, but the controversy underscores the need for transparency and accountability in public office.

Police Investigation Ongoing

Law enforcement authorities have not disclosed further details about the case or the findings from the raid. It remains unclear whether the white substance has been identified or if the investigation will lead to additional actions.

Police spokespersons have stated that the matter is under investigation, and updates will be provided as they become available.

Mayor Vows to Continue Serving

Despite the controversy, Van Rooy remains committed to his role as mayor of Bergrivier. He reassured residents that the incident would not deter him from fulfilling his duties.

“I remain dedicated to serving the people of Bergrivier and ensuring that this community thrives. This baseless attack will not distract me from my work,” he said.

Awaiting Further Developments

As investigations continue, the focus will remain on uncovering the truth behind the allegations. For now, Van Rooy maintains his innocence and insists that he has no connection to the items discovered near his property.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the potential repercussions of unproven allegations in the public sphere.